Football News - NFL Legend Reggie White Dead at 43



Reggie White passed away early Sunday morning at the age of 43. The former fearsome defensive end played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers.

"Today our beloved husband, father and friend passed away," White's wife, Sara, said in a statement through a family pastor. "His family appreciates your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of Reggie White. We want to thank you in advance for honoring our privacy."

The cause of death was not immediately known, but White had a respiratory ailment for several years that affected his sleep. It turned out that White dies of a heart attack.

A two-time NFL defensive player of the year and ordained minister who was known as the "Minister of Defense," White played a total of 15 years with Philadelphia, Green Bay and Carolina. He retired after the 2000 season as the NFL's all-time leader in sacks with 198, which ranks second all-time (Bruce Smith surpassed White in 2003).

A member of the NFL's 75th anniversary team, White was elected to the Pro Bowl a record 13 straight times from 1986-98. He was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and then again in 1998.

"Reggie White was a gentle warrior who will be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history," NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said. "Equally as impressive as his achievements on the field was the positive impact he made off the field and the way he served as a positive influence on so many young people."

White worked very hard in the offseason with inner-city kids and to bridge the racial and economic gap. But his image was brought down when he gave a speech in which he denounced homosexuality and used ethnic stereotypes. White later apologized for any harm his speech had given.

"Reggie's records and accomplishments say it all," George Seifert, who coached him on the Panthers, once said. "He is a Hall of Fame player and possibly the best defensive lineman ever to play the game."

White is survived by his wife Sara, his son Jeremy and his daughter Jecolia.




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